Email

The Supreme Court has said that Imran Khan apparently had tried to incite hatred against the apex court in one of his interactions with the media. – File Photo

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top court on Wednesday issued a contempt of court notice to cricket legend-turned-politician Imran Khan over his “critical and derogatory” remarks against the judiciary and judges of the apex court and summoned him to appear before it on August 2 to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him.

The Supreme Court, in the notice issued to the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) chief, has said that Mr Khan apparently had tried to incite hatred against the apex court in one of his interactions with the media.

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, will hear the case on Friday.

“Prima facie, it seems that Imran Khan has started a deliberate campaign to scandalise the court and bring judges into hatred, ridicule or contempt,” said an order dictated by CJ Iftikhar.

At the press conference on July 26, the PTI chief had criticised the role of the judiciary and the Election Commission of Pakistan and termed it shameful. He alleged that the May 11 general elections had been rigged because of the role played by the two institutions.

A note by the SC registrar on the basis of which the contempt notice was issued stated that Imran Khan had also alleged that he wanted to ensure that no such shameful elections were held in future. “The PTI accepted the election results, but not rigging,” he said.

At the press conference, Mr Khan expressed lack of trust in the judiciary and alleged that the judiciary/Supreme Court had a hand in rigging the elections.

The double standards of the judiciary have come to surface as his party’s candidates were knocked down on technical grounds, the PTI chief had alleged.

“Thus these acts call for action for contempt of court under Article 204 of the constitution, read with section 3 of the Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2003. Therefore, notice be issued to Imran Khan to appear before the court on Aug 2 and explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him,” the court said in its order. Attorney General Muneer A. Malik has also been asked to assist the court.

Meanwhile, PTI’s senior leader Shafqat Mehmood has said the party will not seek a pardon and defend their case lawfully.

PTI’s vice-chairman, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, said the party would examine legal aspects of the contempt notice and react accordingly. “Imran Khan said nothing derogatory. Rather he talked with reason on the floor of the National Assembly, questioning lack of transparency in the conduct of general elections,” he said while talking to Dawn.

The party leadership had not yet received the contempt notice, he said, adding that the PTI was a political party and would definitely adopt a legal course. He said the recent developments, especially helplessness shown by the Chief Election Commissioner while resigning from his office, had raised a number of questions and doubts.

Mr Qureshi cited a news report and said the CEC had expressed reservations over intrusion into the domain of the Election Commission.

The PPP’s information secretary, Qamar Zaman Kaira, described the issuance of contempt notice to Mr Khan as “very unfortunate” and said such notices always put national leaders in a very “painful situation”.

He said Mr Khan might have used some harsh language and he would definitely explain his position before the court, but every political party and every segment of society had the same viewpoint and feeling about the general and the presidential elections.

Comments (83) Closed

KhalidJul 31, 2013 09:00pm

Well done Mr. Chief Justice. How dare Imran Khan questioned your changing the election date for the convenience of PML-N. You will do whatever you have to to help your friends in PML-N. And since you are at it, you should teach everyone else who raised their voice, a lesson too. Long live the justice (for friends only) in Pakistan.

Recommend0

AbsarJul 31, 2013 09:12pm

An ideal example of corruption by absolute power and fame.

Even judges of the highest court are proving themselves equally fallible of making same mistakes which are generallly reserved for dictators. May God help us.

Recommend0

imranJul 31, 2013 09:13pm

Why supreme court can not tolerate criticism?

Do they have no other important cases to hear?

Recommend0

noorJul 31, 2013 09:15pm

Instead of looking at startling evidence of blatant rigging, CJPLMN decides to issue contempt notice on one who raised the issue, regrettable.

Recommend0

shahidJul 31, 2013 09:18pm

Imran khan is right on this matter and should not cave in. He should maintain his stance in front of the court and not chicken out by submitting an apology.Why did Court did not gave notice to Aitazaz Ahsan,ANP leaders who asked for chief justice's resignation and accused the court of carrying on unconstitional acts.

Recommend0

Zeeshan ParasJul 31, 2013 09:19pm

Imran Khan in all fairness has gone raving mad in my opinion. He doesnot even now that the Superior Judiciary had nothing what so ever to do with the elections. He should now crawl out of his election mode and confine his tantrums to his house and start delivering in KPK which in all fairness is collapsing into violence.

Recommend0

saeedJul 31, 2013 09:28pm

Hahaha - their popularity is increasing every passing day. No one else hurts dictators, they usually bring it on to themselves.

Recommend0

faisalJul 31, 2013 09:56pm

Long live corruption and its well-wishers. Long live system of Pakistan.

Recommend0

Dr. KhalidJul 31, 2013 09:57pm

SC is acting way out of its due responsibilities and interfering in politics too much. I think IMChdry should focus more on serious issues. If he doesnt know, we had a jail break the other day, drones, internet full of rigging videos etc

Recommend0

Qaiser KhanJul 31, 2013 09:58pm

The myth of free and fair judiciary in Pakistan busted

Recommend0

TonyJul 31, 2013 10:09pm

Supreme Court is treading the water on contempt of court and freedom of speech. I don't see the court taking same actions when people show their contempt, hate in the media for other branches of government. If they are impartial than they should bring all of those guys to court, NOT the ONLY ones who has shown their disagreement with court.

Recommend0

Fazal KarimJul 31, 2013 10:24pm

age baroh Imran Khan hum tomahrey sath hain

Recommend0

Gerry D'CunhaJul 31, 2013 10:42pm

Imran you played your role to restore this man in 2007, now face him for your consequences

Recommend0

saad saeedJul 31, 2013 10:55pm

And then they say that the Supreme Court hears every case on merit! Imran's petition regarding the thumb verification is still pending in the court and he has been blessed with an Eid gift by the apex court

Recommend0

omerJul 31, 2013 11:02pm

welcome to judicial dictatorship!

Recommend0

Sultan AlviJul 31, 2013 11:16pm

Imran Khan should have boycotted the rigged presidential election. No point in complaining after the event. Unless the current corrupt system is changed, no meaningful change can come to Pakistan. People like Zardari and Nawaz will continue to rule us. Learned people like Dr. Tahirul Qadri and Hassan Nisar should be in the senate and/or integral part of the government.

Recommend0

CazJul 31, 2013 11:27pm

Truth is bitter. The chief justice has no credibility and what has happened to the case against his son. An Indian judge must be appointed to sit on his case. How about Justice ( Retd.) Katju Markandey

Recommend0

Muhammad ArshadJul 31, 2013 11:57pm

"PTI

Recommend0

Faiza. G.R. BhattAug 01, 2013 12:07am

Wow! This is called justice of the present day Pakistani Apex Court.

you don't serve notice to Ali Raza Abidi who was lambasting the court in most insulting manner some 6 moths ago.

you don't serve any notice to ch. Aitezaz Ahsan, who called the court and the ECP to be siding with PML N with their arms in humility

you single out PTI and its leader, which only shows how just you are.

Recommend0

turab hasanAug 01, 2013 12:25am

Mushi must be having the last laugh! Well deserved Immi!

Recommend0

Irfan BalochAug 01, 2013 01:00am

this Judiciary of ours confuses itself with Prophethood and wants to be treated and respect like Sahabah RA

sadly its actions are one vindictive self obsessed and even obstructive, taking actions on personal remarks and summoning traffic police.

to date it has failed to even convict a single terrorist and just lies in wait to take offence over whoever questions its performance

Recommend0

SayyarAug 01, 2013 01:09am

What happened to CJ sons case? Is there any term limit on CJ in Pakistan?

Recommend0

ZulqarnainAug 01, 2013 01:23am

I thnk imran khan was full suporter of judiciary,but in turn judicial system is partialy related to pmln ,and i think imran should go to court and should fight his case,its time for ik to show power of youth, he should use his power to implement justice in this land

Recommend0

ZulqarnainAug 01, 2013 01:25am

He should make judicial system the judicial one

Recommend0

AzamAug 01, 2013 01:29am

Every single word from Imran Khan about the supreme court is true. Why the Supreme court has not taken any action against the rigged elections and looked into the petition filed by PTI? Every single Pakistani both local and overseas demanded free and fair elections under the judiciary and Supreme court has failed to conduct those.

Contempt of court against Khan is not accepted by the people of Pakistan.

Recommend0

Danishrustamani@yahoo.comAug 01, 2013 01:32am

Judicial system has shown some sort of enmity with imran ,but what if this contempt was on aitzaz.

Recommend0

Znrofasia@yahoo.comAug 01, 2013 01:40am

Another exposure of pmln govt power,how 22 families of business cult run this country, status quo should break up,otherwise nation wil deprive with hunger and pain, democracy is fine if judicial and worst if nonjudicial

Recommend0

sfomannAug 01, 2013 02:10am

It is all becoming clear why the supreme court never took any action for the most rigged election in the history of Pakistan. He like any other person in Pakistan has a price. It may a little higher but anyone can be bought in Pakistan. Unfortunate but true

Recommend0

salAug 01, 2013 02:18am

I was looking for something funny to read. I found it.

Recommend0

Afaq advAug 01, 2013 02:22am

Speech delevred on 26 July 2013. 27 July 2013 was issued date of final list of candidates. Election to be held on 30 July 2013. Suprem court issued notice of contempt to Imran khan MNA/chairman PTI. Under Art.204(3). After five days, SC took wrongly notice if it felt that its insult it took notice immediately. Blame on him (imran) talked against Election Commission and SC. But EC did not take any action against Imran and his Canidate. So SC should immediately cancel the illegal notice of contempt to Imran. Proses of presidential election was finished. He talked about the order of SC. He did not talk against judges and SC. every person has fundamental right to discuse about judiciary and court's order in every sense. SC issued illegal notice after 5 days. Imran's speech did not against SC. He respects of SC.

Recommend0

ShahpurAug 01, 2013 02:31am

I hope some one stands up to SC and its CJ.

Recommend0

Afaq advAug 01, 2013 02:33am

Supreme Court issued contempt notice after 5 days. Delay not explained. Imran's Speech deliver on 26 July 2013. All process of president election completed. Election Commission did not take any notice against Imran MNA/Chairman PTI.SC should cancel illegal contempt notice to Imran. Every person has fundamental right to discuss orders of courts in every sense. Imran respects Courts of Pakistan.

Recommend0

YouthAug 01, 2013 03:09am

So sad that IK has been asked to appear before the SC to face Contempt charges. Here I will not pat IK for his rough behavior. Being an educated man Ik should have understood the consequences well before resorting to such harsh language. Lately IK allowed his anger to overtake. Instead of bombarding all IK should understand that such action will surely bring isolation to his party.

Recommend0

KhanAug 01, 2013 03:22am

Yes why should he apologise from this man , the Chief Justice whose behavior during the last 5 years have been ridiculous. He himself made the mockery of judiciary and if someone is trying to show him the mirror he is getting agitated. I think he has made lots of fool about himself.

Recommend0

Boota KhanAug 01, 2013 03:57am

CJ has to put his house in order first. He has already become controversial and has left nothing more to offer. A PCO Judge should stay in his shoes

Recommend0

ShahidAug 01, 2013 05:13am

What Imran is saying is same what everyone else is saying. Judiciary should better address the concerns rather than acting like Egyptian military.

Recommend0

MMAug 01, 2013 05:27am

So, nobody can speak on wrong doings of Supreme Court, and corrupt judges. Supreme Court/judges must also be accountable if the President, PM & Military of the country can be.

Recommend0

faridAug 01, 2013 05:32am

Suprem court of Pakistan has become a political party. The whole thing looks like a joke. Every second day there is a contempt of court issued by the SC.

Recommend0

msaAug 01, 2013 05:32am

With too much and unnecessary interjection with unimportant matters, the SC is loosing its trust.

Recommend0

AliAug 01, 2013 06:17am

Now we can not even point to the reality on the ground. I love the free judiciary but please allow some criticism.

Mr.Imran Khan,Chiar Man PTI always supported the apex court, therefore, he should put his view point before the Supreme Court patiently instead of harshly .He shoud be careful of the oppertunists who wish to play their own game

Recommend0

JAVAIDAug 01, 2013 08:02am

What a sad state of affairs in the country.Fakhroo Bhai said the same thing about Apex Court that it was a wrong decision to change the date of Presidential Election.Eitezaz Ahsan clearly said on more than fe occasions that this decision of Apex court was unconstitutional.When will contempt of court notices be issued to these two individuals?.

Recommend0

WaqasAug 01, 2013 08:12am

Imran is the only politician with courage ! Go get em !

Recommend0

PakistaniAug 01, 2013 09:33am

For the last few years now CJ has been acting like an enemy of the state. He has an extreme bias towards TTP and now we find him taking control of ECP and the govt policy.

Recommend0

raziq aleemAug 01, 2013 10:13am

Pathetic & unfortunate. Where was CJ once elections were being rigged openly?

Recommend0

Khan WaliAug 01, 2013 10:17am

CJ should be 'MAMNOON' of Imran Khan for his restoration!

Recommend0

shuaibAug 01, 2013 11:00am

Hope that IK will behave in future.

Recommend0

Mr.TAug 01, 2013 12:20pm

Now THEY playing another game "good Vs good". just to end the trust of people and those who believe in remaining goodness which will change Pakistan's future. ghar ko aag lagai ghar k chiragh nai...

Recommend0

Mohammad Ishaq ZahidaniAug 01, 2013 12:35pm

Chief Election Commissioner who has yesterday resigned should be tried in the Supreme Court for surrendering his powers and not acting as per the Constitution.... Let him also taste the Supreme Court brunt ...

Recommend0

Deendayal LullaAug 01, 2013 01:16pm

The courts should welcome comments from the public on its functioning. There is a saying,"Ninda hamari jo kare,mitra hamara hoye" . Contempt of court is an outdated concept,which has been abolished in some nations,as it is an one-sided law. If one does not talk about the judgements,and the courts' functioning,then how can one have confidence in the legal system? Courts are friends of the people,and talking about its functioning helps a great deal in restoring people's confidence in the judiciary. One American chief justice has rightly said that the faith of a litigant in a judge is the biggest asset for the judge,and not contempt of court. What about contempt of litigants? Why should the public be caged parrorts? The German word,"Achtung" (means respect) also applies to the public and the litigants,apart from the courts.

Recommend0

HassanAug 01, 2013 01:27pm

It feels bad when it hurts you, doesn't it, Mr. Imran Khan?

Recommend0

Adnan ZiaAug 01, 2013 02:05pm

Imran Khan and his party does not know what to say and how to say it. In other words, they do not know a good part of politics. Being blunt is not always good in life and politics. It often back fires- I tell my children so. I think IK and PTI needs to grow up.

Leaving aside the judges matter for a minute, look at the statements made by IK and PTI government immediately after the jail break and read the story about no-intelligence-failure: how fool they (IK and PTI) were when they said they were going to start a new intelligence service! They made the statements as usual without doing any homework and without any understanding of the real issue. Only good intentions are not enough to run a country. Bad Show, very very bad -for any concerned citizen and serious supporters of PTI.

Recommend0

Ali ShahAug 01, 2013 02:23pm

The court didn't delay calling IK for contempt did it? Can't wait for the CJ's retirement. He is losing popularity by the day (and rightly so)

Recommend0

rehan saeedAug 01, 2013 03:06pm

It seems that IK is the only "Honest" and "righteous" person in pakistan

Recommend0

Gerry D'CunhaAug 01, 2013 03:46pm

mushraaf was right in punishing this man - the truth will follow after his retirement - people who sided him are now regretting

Recommend0

Amir RashidAug 01, 2013 04:47pm

Its good that IK has started calling a spade a spade in this case as well and has finally stopped supporting the "apex court judges" unconditionally. The "hero judge" misunderstood his restoration, a result of his personal stature and effort. He completely forgot that it was only possible due to the power of Pakistani people who took to the streets and political parties, including PTI, played a tremendously important role in his restoration. He, along with his select few, has been misappropriating the power and honour granted by the people of Pakistan. His role in the issues of national level justice probes- from the Raymond Davis case to rigging in the general elections 2013- has been of total indifference, as nothing happened while the whole country was jolted. It was more important to take action on defaulters and criminals getting through the electoral scrutiny than staging a show to humilate Mr. Qadri about his dual nationality. Its time to stop considering a chicken's death in a road accident more important than the national hue and cry on the election rigging. Its time for him and his cronies to realise the critical needs of justice at the national level. Otherwise the same power may become the very reason of his fall from the apex to fathomless contempt.

Recommend0

NatashaAug 01, 2013 05:24pm

@rehan saeed:
He is.

Recommend0

NMAAug 01, 2013 06:26pm

Do people still not get it - of all the crimes committed in Pakistan, of all the things said and done.... Our dear Chief Justice only happens to notice those who seem to challange the domain of a certain leader of a certain political party in Pakistan......... but who knows maybe its just a co-incidence...... how can the the judiciary ever possibly have anything wrong with it!!!

Recommend0

shafiq khanAug 01, 2013 07:32pm

Nobody but nobody is above the law. The word of the Supreme Court is the Law Of the Land. You do not have to like it, but accept you must with due respect to the court. This is the only body that gives assurance that the powerful is answerable.

We have seen in the last five years some politicians have been brought to book for their arrogance. They thought they were more loyal to masters than the law of the land. The wrongdoers never applaud the court when found guilty.
Imran Khan ,unless accepts the decision of the court has problem of arrogance. The arrogance will undo anybody.

Recommend0

shafiq khanAug 01, 2013 07:35pm

@Ali:
You are wrong no criticism of the supreme Court is permissible under any circumstances.
If that was the case those with bigger purse will hire people who will make unvarnished lies look like the truth.
Supreme Court must be Supreme. Else it is a joke.

Recommend0

AizaAug 01, 2013 07:36pm

Welcome to Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan!

Recommend0

shafiq khanAug 01, 2013 07:40pm

@Dr. Khalid:
What that got to do with the Supreme Court? Your ignorance is profound. The Dr. does not allow you to run amuck with the constitution.
If political scums behaved the SC will not have to adjudicate in items like this.

Recommend0

zaheer Ul HassanAug 01, 2013 08:31pm

unfortunately, we have an over cative and politicised judiciary and it has wasted the opprnuity that had come up after the lawyers movement. A large number of decent and educated people now beleive that most of recent judgments are in favour of one party and that judiciary has returned back the investment that one pilitical leader had made in lawyers movement.

Recommend0

sjaAug 01, 2013 08:51pm

Imran khan has a tendency to show off with everything bigger than him that he is the only Tsunamist that fall off himself and was nearly crushed by his own violition. Now he tries to look around and soon will find Governor of Punjab another target of useless Imran khan shouts.

Some politicians never mature and try to mature by DEFAULT----- as they are pushed in or pushed off the PLATFORMS. Imran is the perfect example of NON PROFIT CHANDAS receipients, he went to England and shared with the Crown Prince an opportunity to be funded for his hospital and the photos were very clear. NEVER MISS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE IN LIMELIGHT LIKE IMRAN KHAN.

Recommend0

Imran AhmedAug 01, 2013 09:21pm

I will be deeply disappointed if IK apologises to this travesty of a judicial court. Far better that he go to jail. In the end the kangaroos will be the ones who suffer.

Recommend0

HaqAug 01, 2013 09:31pm

We all must admit that, we are the most emotionally charged people on this planet. Sometime it feels so painful to be part of this society, who gets so outrageously charged and unreasonable when it comes to matters of their self esteem. Instead of taking into account the logic and sense behind the issues, we go to the extremes and in blind poignant love for the favourit leaders, we deliberately close our eyes and believe them like prophets. Our leaders should be role models for the followers and must not turn into Sultan Rahi. Instead of getting so hyper to force others to accept illogical arguments, we should strive to build our national pillars and teach tolerance. At the moment, only our judiciary, with all its shortcomings, is working hard to gain a foothold in our corrupt society and doing so they may commit few mistakes but believe it, it

Recommend0

sjaAug 01, 2013 09:47pm

@Absar:
God has always helped those who have helped themselves------ Imran Khan has not except a charitable hospital and he looks for every opportunity to get the charity funds via shows, variety shows, tv talks and the like just to keep his hospital operating and taking on everything else. Immature Imran Khan.

Recommend0

buttAug 01, 2013 10:01pm

i really wonder what happen to this person after years he got a little position in our politics and he started to disrespect SC who are the only hope for our better future. Nobody is above the law any court decision which may he don't like but dose not allow him to insult the judiciary.

The CJP is acting in a dictatorial manner; IK did not say any thing wrong that derogates judiciary. Is judciary fool proof; can not make mistake?

Recommend0

JOHN SYEDAug 02, 2013 12:57am

The contempt notice is unwarranted. People in general and politicians in particular have the constitutional right of free expression. The remarks by Imran Khan are realistic (even quasi realistic) nothing imbedded in to incite hatred against the judiciary. If this practice is continued the life of a person who speaks his or her truthful mind shall suffer. On the contrary, notices like the instant one are bound to create an atmosphere conducive to disapproval.
The legislature in Pakistan ought to revamp the laws relating to contempt of court and limit suo moto discretionary initiative to the cases before bench only to balance the pro bono or poorly represented party. The frequent unlimited exercise of such powers are eroding the boundery of seperation of powers. It is expected that the high position earned by court by dispensing the justice in difficult times shall be maintained. A common person shall suffer the most if high esteem for judiciary is diluted. This notice ought be withdrawn.

Recommend0

IKAug 02, 2013 03:41am

Sorry guys I made a mistake now I want to apologize in front of public and respected courts of Pakistan as this dint happen to be my job doing so or else I should have went through proper channel by filing a case in SC.

Recommend0

shuaibAug 02, 2013 04:44am

Remember Naeem Bukhari's letter to CJ. I just went back and read it again and every word seems true. Poor Naeem was beaten up by lawyers for that letter.
Every Pakistani thought that that letter was a pack of lies and a conspiracy against CJ hatched by Naeem and Pervaiz Musharruf.

Recommend0

Zulqar@yahoo.comAug 02, 2013 05:27am

@rehan saeed:
r8 bro

Recommend0

HAug 02, 2013 06:43am

Imran Khan is right there is no legal, partial and fair justice in Pakistan.
I personally e-mailed twice to Chief Justice about my problem and and it's been almost 8 months' and till now no response. So how could you rely on the the corrupted country.

Allah will punish all these legal advisors, judges and other higher rank civil servants.

Recommend0

AyazAug 02, 2013 08:30am

What happened ? . . . There must be accountability of judges . . .

Recommend0

Ali WadoodAug 02, 2013 08:36am

No doubt law is above all. but that does not mean that one cannot say about it. It is due to lawlessness, that Pakistan is suffering.

Recommend0

ShankarAug 02, 2013 11:14am

Power corrupts! Absolute power corrupts absolutely! Judicial absolute power destroys the nation. The proof is the CJ. He has taken it upon himself to play politics of the worst kind by putting Presisdents, PMs, ministers and important politicians to shame and ridicule. God save Pakistan!

Recommend0

saeed awanAug 02, 2013 12:44pm

Supreme court is the only saviour of hope of the country. The problem with Imran and his Twitter fellows is that they were assuming PM of the country. While people verdict was in favour of another party. Imran could not digest and tolerate the defeat. He needs to be polished and be taught manners of politics as this is not cricket or Shaukat Khanum Hospital where he was sole dictator.

Recommend0

asaAug 03, 2013 05:08am

It is the abuse of power and it has to stop in Pakistan.

Recommend0

Zaheer AhmedAug 03, 2013 05:33pm

Imran Khan did not commit any contempt.He was merely complaining about the rigging in election because of which his party suffered.The S.judiciary is being unfair and seems to misread his comments which were more a protest against inefficiency of lower judiciary.